Yesterday, the Community Foundation had the pleasure of hosting the 2024 Philanthropy Summit, a significant event that brought together community leaders, nonprofit organizations, and dedicated individuals committed to making a difference in Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties.
Keynote Presentation: ALICE Lives Here
The summit kicked off with an eye-opening keynote presentation by Scott Mengebier, Director of Research and Evaluation at United Way of the National Capital Area. Titled “ALICE Lives Here: A New Lens in Measuring Financial Hardship,” the talk shed light on the financial struggles of Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) individuals. Scott’s analysis provided a new perspective on financial hardship, emphasizing the importance of supporting those who are working, yet struggling to make ends meet.
Panel Discussion: Local Needs Facing Our Families
Another highlight of the event was a panel discussion on the pressing needs of local families. Jennifer Montgomery, President & CEO of Loudoun Hunger Relief; Valerie Pisierra, Executive Director of Loudoun Cares; and Ryan Harrison, Assistant Director of the Public Assistance and Supports Division at Loudoun County Department of Family Services, shared their insights and experiences. The discussion delved into the various challenges families encounter, from food insecurity and housing to accessing essential services, and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to address these issues.
Case Study: ARISE Guaranteed Income Pilot
The summit also featured a compelling case study on the ARISE Guaranteed Income Pilot, presented by Brandi Yee, Chief Program Officer at ACT for Alexandria, and Julie Mullen, Economic Mobility Program Officer for the City of Alexandria. This innovative program aims to provide financial stability to low-income residents through guaranteed income, and the presentation covered the program’s design, implementation, and early outcomes. It served as an inspiring example of how targeted financial interventions can significantly impact economic mobility and wellbeing.
Gratitude to Our Community
Thank you to all the attendees, speakers, and panelists who made the 2024 Philanthropy Summit a success! Your participation and engagement are vital to our ongoing efforts to support and uplift our community. Together, we can continue to address the critical needs of our residents and foster a thriving, inclusive environment for all.
Documents from the event can be found at the links below:
